Streetsweeper construction and lift mechanism

ABSTRACT

Efficient and easily controlled vertical swinging movement of a refuse receptacle for a streetsweeper apparatus is made possible by a sweeper frame construction cooperating with a pair of efficient lifting linkage mechanisms each of which comprise only five linkage elements arranged to form two interacting parallelograms that allow a first power-actuated one of said linkage members to lift the refuse receptacle while maintaining it at a constant attitude and a second power-actuated one of said links to tilt the refuse receptacle to dump it.

United States Patent Prescott et al.

14 1 Jan. 18, 1972 [54] STREETSWEEPER CONSTRUCTION AND LIFT MECHANISM [72] Inventors: Ernest F. Prescott; Donald R. Palmiter,

both of Elgin, 111.

[73] Assignee: Elgin Sweeper Company, Elgin, Ill. [22] Filed: Aug. 11, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 849,017

s2 u.s.c|. ..1s/s4,214/77s [58] FieldofSearch ..1s/s3 s7,340; 214/140, 778

[ 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,614,279 10/1952 Mott ..l5/83 3,001,654 9/1961 Albert ..214/140 3,162,877 12/1964 Schmidt et al. ..15/83 3,186,015 6/1965 Beyerstedt .15/84 3,312,992 4/1967 Schmidt et a1... 15/83 3,461,474 8/ 1969 McCandless 15/83 3,464,574 9/1969 Campbell ..2 l 4/ 778 Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Attorney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni, Gross & Simpson [5 7] ABSTRACT Efficient and easily controlled vertical swinging movement of a refuse receptacle for a streetsweeper apparatus is made possible by a sweeper frame construction cooperating with a pair of efficient lifting linkage mechanisms each of which comprise only five linkage elements arranged to form two interacting parallelograms that allow a first power-actuated one of said linkage members to lift the refuse receptacle while maintaining it at a constant attitude and a second power-actuated one of said links to tilt the refuse receptacle to dump it.

11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENIEH m 1 e m SHEET 1 0F 2 n h \m IN VlzNTORS w/W im 2 PW.

STREETSWEEPER CONSTRUCTION AND LIFT MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a vehicle framework construction including an improved material-handling device and more particularly this invention contemplates a lift mechanism arrangement of pivoted arms and power means for lifting a sweeper refuse receptacle simply and efficiently to and from a forward position in the sweeper structure while maintaining the receptacle at a constant horizontal attitude and allowing tilting of the receptacle when desired.

2. Prior Art Streetsweepers of the prior art include refuse receptacle lift mechanisms as shown for example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,l62,877. At least one sweeper construction as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,186,015 would appear to suggest the idea of maintaining the receptacle level constant during its movement to and from a raised position.

With all the excellent qualities of the prior art devices there has always remained the need for yet simpler handling means and constructions. Thus, a minimum of controls allow the operator to devote maximum attention to handling the apparatus. Visibility of the path ahead both during movement and while dumping is another important factor in the operation of a streetsweeper which allows the avoidance of obstructions and darting children, for example.

Construction of the sweeper to provide the above handling features includes many design factors. Thus, while the center of gravity must be maintained between the wheels of the apparatus it is also important that the hopper be as large as possible, that the capacity be utilized to the maximum, that the driver must be in a position of safety and weight balance, that the broom be centrally located between the wheels and that the hopper be located far enough forwardly to allow ease in unloading and yet not be so far forward as to cause a drastic change in the center of gravitywhenbeing lifted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A streetsweeper of the present invention includes a body and lift mechanism construction which meets the above-noted design considerations in addition to providing new and improved handling and construction features. Efiicient body structure and lift mechanism construction allow more convenient handling through simplified controls and greater visibility for example.

A streetsweeper of the invention includes a supporting chassis having a side beam extending along each side thereof with depending and upstandingmembers connected thereto to provide support for the lift mechanism, the refuse receptacle and the front wheel means. A rear wheel means supports the side frame members at their other end. A transversely extending main broom member and an adjacent conveyor means also are conveniently attached to the side members between the front and rear wheels. The front wheels may be spaced apart and a refuse receptacle or dirt hopper is seated therebetween in a housing. The refuse receptacle has an opening at its upper end which coacts with the conveyor means to receive refuse swept onto the conveyor by the main broom. When the receptacle becomes full a pair of lifting linkage mechanisms positioned on opposite sides of the hopper lift the hopper upwardly out of the housing while maintaining the attitude of the hopper generally constant. With the receptacle in an upward position it may be moved over a suitable truck means at which time the receptacle is tilted to dump the swept-up refuse. Each of the lifting linkage mechanisms comprises an elongated generally linear first sidearm member that is pivotally attached to the carrier apparatus at one end'and pivotally attached to the refuse receptacle at its opposite end. A generally transversely extending second pivot link member is pivotally attached to the first sidearm member very generally in the area of their midpoints. A third link member is attached at a first end of the carrier and at a second end to the second pivot link whereby it forms a first parallelogram. A fourth extensible link means has a second end pivotally attached to the carrier means and a first end attached to a second end of the second pivot link member so that upon the extension and contraction of the fourth link means the second link is pivoted about its connections with the first and third link members. A fifth extensible link means is attached at a first end to a first end of the second pivot link member and at a second end to said refuse receptacle whereby upon the extension and contraction of said fifth link member the receptacle is tilted about the second end of said first sidearm member.

A sixth link member connects the first ends of each of the first and third link members. A seventh link member connects the ends of the first and fifth link means. The various members are arranged with respect to each other so that a parallelogram is formed by the portions of the first and second link means and the third and sixth link means. Similarly, a second parallelogram is formed by portions of the first and second link means together with the fifth and seventh link means. The second link member extends below the third link member so that when the receptacle is in its lower position seated between the front wheels of the apparatus the fourth extensible link member will be substantially horizontal.

It is contemplated that the structure of the present invention will be advantageously used in a hydrostatic streetsweeper wherein dirt is elevated from the street level and dumped into a dirt box. The dirt box in turn may be elevated by the lift arrangement of the present invention so that the dirt may conveniently be dumped directly into a truck or other conveyance to eliminate double handling of the material.

The dirt or refuse box of the present invention nests between a pair of spaced front wheels in its lowered position so that its center of gravity when loaded will be between the front wheels. The lifting mechanism on the hydrostatic sweeper avoids moving the center of gravity of the dirt box any further beyond the front axle of the streetsweeper than is necessary so that unwanted and dangerous tipping of the apparatus cannot result. Moreover, with the box nested near the center of the machine where the dirt conveyor belt is located, the conveyor may drop the dirt into a central portion of the dirt box thereby obtaining maximum hopper capacity. Upon lifting of the box, however, some forward movement is provided for to allow the box to clear the housing and at the same time bring it into a position far enough beyond the apparatus so that it will be above an ordinary dump truck body or the body of a similar conveyance whereby spillage of this undesirable material is eliminated.

The lift mechanism and tilting means operate efficiently with a minimum number of parts so that maintenance for the user is at a minimum. The hopper lift and tilt mechanism of the present invention also are designed so as to occupy the smallest possible space to thereby avoid limiting the size of the refuse hopper which may be used.

Although the invention is described with respect to a single lift and tilt mechanism it is to be understood that a similar lift and tilt mechanism may be provided on the opposite side of the refuse hopper so that with the mechanisms off to either side of the hopper they will not interfere with the operators view either with the hopper in its lowered position or in its elevated position. The convenient location of the hopper tucked between the wheels provides excellent path of travel visibility and also allows visual inspection of the hopper by the operator to determine the extent to which it is loaded.

Movement of the loaded hopper upwardly and forwardly by the linkage of the present invention advantageously maintains the hopper in its same attitude relative to the street so that the material in the hopper will not shift or surge to create handling difficulties and possible tipping of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view with parts in cross section schematically illustrating the street-cleaning apparatus and lift mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view taken along the lines IllI of FIG. 1 illustrating an end view of the linkage mechanism on one side of the streetsweeper refuse receptacle; and,

FIG. 3 is an elevational side view showing the operation of the lifting mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A streetsweeper generally indicated at is shown schematically in FIG. 1 as including a supporting chassis generally indicated at 12, which chassis comprises a pair of side beams 14 extending along opposite sides of the apparatus and to which side beams 14 a depending portion 16 is attached at a forward end thereof. An upstanding frame member 18 is rigidly connected to the horizontal members 14 to provide a support for a portion of the lift means generally indicated at The apparatus further may include a cab portion 22 in which an operator may be seated to manipulate the necessary control means 24. A motive power means 26 is conveniently positioned in the rear end of the apparatus in which position it serves also as a counterweight. A rear wheel means 28 and a front wheel means 30 support the frame 14 in a spaced relation to the ground surface over which the vehicle traverses. Suitable means support the rear wheels 28 while the front wheel means 30 are supported by the depending frame portion 16. Advantageously drive means 32 are positioned on the frame portion 16 adjacent each of the front wheel means to drive the same.

As outfitted for streetsweeping, the apparatus 10 includes a main broom 36 movably pivoted below the central portion of the frame 14 by a pair of pivot arms 38 on opposite ends. Suitable drive means and elevational controls for the main broom (not shown) are provided. Material swept up by the main broom 36 is thrown onto a vertically inclined endless belt type conveyor means 40 that conveys the material or dirt upwardly and forwardly to a point over an opening in the refuse receptacle 50 and deposits it therein. A pair of side brooms 42 extend beyond the width of the sweeper 10 to throw debris in their path beneath the main broom. Again suitable operating and elevational control means (not shown) are provided for the side brooms.

Referring now to the refuse receptacle or dirt box 50in FIG. 1 it may be clearly seen that it is very compactly received between the pair of opposite side frame members 14, 16 and the front wheel means 30 to give it a low center of gravity. In this position and with a uniform fill the center ofgravity of the receptacle 50 will be located in a vertical plane generally parallel to and substantially through an axis 31 passing through the center 30a of the wheel means 30. In this manner the sweeping efficiency and level ride of the streetsweeper is assured. If the center of gravity were too far forward of the axis 31 it can be seen that when the receptacle is loaded, forward tipping of the apparatus and consequently inconsistent sweeping by the brooms might occur over rough surfaces. According to the present invention the moment arm between the axis 31 and the center of gravity of a filled or a substantially filled hopper 50 would be so small as to be adequately counterbalanced by the weight of the apparatus including the rear engine 26.

With the hopper 50 neatly tucked into a housing schematically illustrated at 52, the upper surface of the housing may be configured so that an operator in the cab 22 will have exceptionally good vision of the road immediately in front of the sweeper apparatus. As shown by the way of example the angle of view may be 25 below the horizon. This low profile of the sweeper front end and hopper, forms an important part of this invention since it is made possible by the frame construction and the linkage arrangement hereinafter described in greater detail.

The linkage means comprises a first sidearm member 60 having a first end 6011 and a second end 60b. The first end 6011 is pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion 18 by means of a pivot means 62. At the opposite second end 60b the first arm member is connected to the refuse receptacle 50 by a pivot means 63. Preferably, the member 60 is an elongated rigid linear rigid member. A second rigid pivot link member 66 is pivotally attached at an intermediate portion 66a thereof to the sidearm member 60 at a pivot point 67. A third link member 70 has a first end 70a attached tosaid upstanding frame portion 18 with a pivot means 72 and a second end 70b attached to the second pivot link member 66 by a pivot means 74. The first, second and third members 60, 66 and 70 form a first parallelogram between the pivot means 62, 67, 74, 72 and 62. To the second end 66c of the second pivot link extending below the pivot means 74 there is attached a fourth lift member 76 at a first end 76:: thereof. A second end 76b of the lift member 76 is attached by a pivot means 77 to the side frame member 14 at a point conveniently to the rear of the second link member 66. As shown the fourth lift member 76 is horizontal when the refuse box is in its lowered position between the wheels. It is contemplated that the member 76 may be a lifting power means in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston-cylinder.

A fifth link means 80 has a first end 80a attached to the first end of said second link member 66b by a pivot means 81. A second end of said fifth link 80b is attached by a pivot means 83 to a forward portion of said refuse receptacle 50. It is contemplated that the fifth link means 80 may be a tilt power means in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston. When the fifth member 80 is in its normal unextended position a second parallelogram is formed by the first, second and fifth link members 60, 66 and 80, and where provided, the member 87 on the hopper between the pivot means 63, 67, 81, 83 and 63.

Both the first arm member 60 and the second link member 66 serve to form a side of each of the first and second parallelograms. However, while the first member 60 may be a lineal it was discovered that providing a break or angular relationship between a central axis extending through the pivot points 67, 81 in the first portion 66b and through the pivot points 67, 74, 78 of the first portion, second portion 66c, of the second link means allowed a more compact and efficient design. The important relationship is that pivot points 72, 62, 67, 74, 72 must form a parallelogram. Also, pivot points 67, 81, 83, 63, 67 must form a second parallelogram.

While the above description relates to a single linkage and lift mechanism it is to be understood that, as shown in FIG. 2 similar coacting and mirror image arrangements are provided on opposite sides of said refuse receptacle 50.

It should be noted that the above-described construction provides a very efficient and rigid streetsweeper construction. Thus, all three of the connections of the lift mechanism with the apparatus or carrier means are through connections 62, 72 and 77 directly with the rigid frame of the apparatus. In this manner maximum stresses pass through structural elements of maximum rigidity.

It is also within the scope of this invention that a sixth structural link member 85 may extend between and be integrally connected with the pivot means 62 and 72. Likewise a seventh structural link member 87 may extend between and be connected to the pivot means 63 and 83 to stabilize and assure their constant relation to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 2 the structural details of the apparatus frame construction and the lift mechanism may be clearly seen. Thus, it will be noted that the side frame members 14 and the upstanding members 18 conveniently comprise opposed channel members to which the pivot means are securely anchored. The first and third link members 60, 70 comprise a pair'of plates connected at the pivot points and at spaced intervals along their length. The second link member 66 is a singleplate structure but is enlarged at its central portion 66a to adequately transmit the high stresses to the fourth and fifth power link members.

As shown, the first, third and fifth link members 60, 70, 80 are inclined approximately 45 with the horizontal while the second link has a generally vertically disposed lower portion and an upper portion at a slight angle thereto.

Operation of the lift mechanism may be seen in FIG. 3 wherein typical positions of the refuse receptacle are illustrated along with the corresponding arrangements of the lift mechanism. Thus, the position A is the standard operating position which is shown in FIG. 1 along with the corresponding arrangement of the lift linkage mechanism. In this normal position the extensible lift power means 76 is contracted as is the tilt power means 80. Accordingly, the remaining linkage members 60, 70, 66 and 80 are very compactly arranged ad jacent each other so that the mechanism may be arranged in an extreme outward position above the wheel means 30. See FIG. 2. In this manner maximum capacity of the receptacle 50 may be obtained. Moreover, the compactness of the lift mechanism allows maximum visibility. The position of pivot point 81 in relationship to pivot point 67 is determined by the relationship of the line formed by pivot points 63 and 83. A line formed by points 67 and 81 must be parallel to 63, 83. Note that point 67 is common to both major parallelograms.

The location of the lift cylinder pivots 77 and 78 are immaterial to the two major parallelogram arrangements. It is only coincidental that item 76 is shown horizontal and that a straight line through 67 and 74 also passes through pivot point 78.

The forwardly tilted position B as may be seen in FIG. 3 is made possible by a lifting mechanism arrangement shown in solid lines. In this position the elements of the linkage arrangement are prefixed with a I and are in the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that the extensible tilt member 180 is in an extended position whereby the receptacle 150 has tilted about the pivot 163. It may be seen that the receptacle 150 may be tilted forwardly an additional approximately 45 or more to thereby provide great flexibility of material handling and dumping.

In position C as shown in FIG. 3 the linkage arrangement may be seen in dotted lines with the corresponding elements prefixed with a 2." When the extensible lift member 276 extends its forces are transmitted through the second link member 266 which in turn, through reaction forces in the pivot means 267, 274, pivots the first and third link members 260, 270 counterclockwise about the pivot means 262, 272 respectively. In this manner the first and second parallelograms defined by the first, second, third, fifth and seventh link members operate to raise the receptacle 250 upwardly and forwardly from an initial position A to a position as shown by C while maintaining the receptacle at a constant attitude with respect to the ground surface. This, of course, prevents movement of the contents of the receptacle and thus eliminates possible tipping because of the change of the center of gravity due to the contents moving. The design of the receptacle 250 is such that it clears the housing and yet does not move wholly beyond the axis of the forward wheel means 130. The efficiency of the linkage mechanism wherein the extensible lift power means operates against the second link means at generally right angles throughout the lift provides smooth, dependable and economical operation.

With the receptacle in an upper lifted position C the dumping of the contents is effected by merely extending the tilt power means 280 to a point such as shown by the member 380 in dotted lines whereby the receptacle will assume the tilted position D. The other members of the linkage lifting mechanism will remain rigidly fixed to provide a stable means about which the receptacle may be pivoted for dumping.

By the attachment of the lifting power means 76 directly to the extended portion of the second link mechanism the efficiency of the linkage lifting mechanism of the present invention is made possible. Thus, the link 44 provides a convenient attachment to the power means without the addition of special connections. Secondly, the link 66 transmits the power of the lifting member 76 evenly to the parallel first, third and fifth link members so that smooth operation is provided with a minimum of power. Moreover, having the lift power means 76 operate through the link member 66 provides right angular application of the power in a simple and convenient construction. The resulting compactness and strength efiiciency obtained by the linkage of the present invention significantly improves the operating efficiency of the streetsweeper mechanism.

From the foregoing description of the invention it may be understood that a very sturdy yet simple frame structure cooperates with the lifting mechanism arrangement to provide an efficient maintenance-free operation. Because of the an gular relationship between the lifting linkage members the power required to lift the receptacle is efficiently transmitted therethrough and thus kept to a minimum.

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

What we claim is:

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising a carrier means, a dirt bucket means, a cleaning means depositing dirt in said bucket means, and a lift mechanism, said lift mechanism comprising first and second parallelograms, each of said parallelograms having a first, second, third and fourth side with the first and third; second and fourth sides, of each of said first and second parallelograms being parallel to each other and being of equal length, each of said sides being pivotally connected to the next adjacent sides, said second side of said first parallelogram and said fourth side of said second parallelogram being a linear lift member, said third side of said first parallelogram and said first side of said second parallelogram being of a unitary member, both ends of said first side of said first parallelogram being pivotally attached to said carrier means and both ends of said third side of said second parallelogram being pivotally connected to said dirt bucket means, a lifting member having a first end pivotally connected to said third side of said first parallelogram adjacent the innersection of said third side with said fourth side, the second end of said lifting member being connected to said carrier means at a point below the connection of said first side of said first parallelogram.

2. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said second side of said second parallelogram is an extensible member allowing the pivoting of said third side of said second parallelogram about its innersection with said fourth side.

3. A sweeping apparatus including a sweeping means, a refuse receptacle positioned to receive refuse from said sweeping means, a lifting mechanism for said refuse receptacle, said lifting means comprising a first sidearm member pivotally attached to a carrier apparatus at a first end and pivotally attached to a refuse receptacle at a second end, a second pivot link member having a first and second end, said pivot link being pivotally attached to said sidearm member intermediate the ends of both the pivot link member and the sidearm member, a third link member extending parallel to said first member and pivotally attached at a first end to said carrier means and at a second end to said pivot link at a point intermediate the ends, a fourth extensible link means positioned on the same side of said first arm member as said third link means and having a first end pivotally attached to said carrier means and a second end pivotally attached to said second end of said second pivot link member, and a fifth link means extending parallel to said first sidearm member and being attached at a first end thereof to a first end of said pivot link and a second end attached to said refuse receptacle.

4. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said fourth link member is a power lift means whose length contracts and extends to lift said refuse receptacle.

5. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said fifth link means is an extensible link which extends and contracts to tilt said refuse receptacle about said second end of said first sidearm member.

6. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein saidfourth extensible link member is positioned at an angle to said third link member.

7. A mechanism according to claim 3 including a sixth link extending between the first ends of the first sidearm member and said third link member.

8. In a streetsweeper apparatus comprising a body provided with a longitudinally extending first side frame member on opposite sides thereof, a second side frame member upstanding from each of said first side frame members, said body having a forward end, a wheel meansbeing provided at said forward end on said opposite side of said body, said refuse receptacle being disposed in a housing between said wheel means, said receptacle having an inlet opening adjacent an upper portion thereof, means for conveying sweepings through said inlet opening, said hopper being positioned so that when said hopper is loaded and said center of gravity thereof will be generally above said front wheels, a lifting mechanism being positioned on opposite sides of said hopper and attached to said first and second frame members to lift said hopper outwardly out of said housing while maintaining the attitude of said hopper generally constant, said lifting means comprising a first sidearm member pivotally attached to said second frame member on said carrier body at one end and pivotally attached to said refuse receptacle at an opposite end, a second pivot link member having a first and second end, said second pivot link being pivotally attached to said first sidearm member intermediate the ends of both the second pivot link member and the first sidearm member, a third link member extending parallel to said first member and pivotally attached at a first end to said second frame member on said carrier body and at a second end to said second pivot link member at a point intermediate the ends, a fourth extensible link means positioned on the same side of said first arm member as said third link means and having a first end pivotally attached to said first frame member on said carrier body and a second end attached to said second end of said second pivot link member, and a fifth link means extending parallel to said first sidearm member and being attached at a first end thereof to a first end of said pivot link and a second end attached to said refuse receptacle.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said first end 7 of said second pivot link member is above said first sidearm member.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said receptacle is movable from an original position between said wheels to an upper portion on above said wheels, said hopper in its uppermost level being forward of its original position less than its depth.

11. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each of said first frame members projects forwardly inside and above each of said respective front wheels, a third frame portion attached to said first frame member and depending therefrom, said third depending frame portion supporting said front wheel axles and a wheel-propelling means. 

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising a carrier means, a dirt bucket means, a cleaning means depositing dirt in said bucket means, and a lift mechanism, said lift mechanism comprising first and second parallelograms, each of said parallelograms having a first, second, third and fourth side with the first and third; second and fourth sides, of each of said first and second parallelograms being parallel to each other and being of equal length, each oF said sides being pivotally connected to the next adjacent sides, said second side of said first parallelogram and said fourth side of said second parallelogram being a linear lift member, said third side of said first parallelogram and said first side of said second parallelogram being of a unitary member, both ends of said first side of said first parallelogram being pivotally attached to said carrier means and both ends of said third side of said second parallelogram being pivotally connected to said dirt bucket means, a lifting member having a first end pivotally connected to said third side of said first parallelogram adjacent the innersection of said third side with said fourth side, the second end of said lifting member being connected to said carrier means at a point below the connection of said first side of said first parallelogram.
 2. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said second side of said second parallelogram is an extensible member allowing the pivoting of said third side of said second parallelogram about its innersection with said fourth side.
 3. A sweeping apparatus including a sweeping means, a refuse receptacle positioned to receive refuse from said sweeping means, a lifting mechanism for said refuse receptacle, said lifting means comprising a first sidearm member pivotally attached to a carrier apparatus at a first end and pivotally attached to a refuse receptacle at a second end, a second pivot link member having a first and second end, said pivot link being pivotally attached to said sidearm member intermediate the ends of both the pivot link member and the sidearm member, a third link member extending parallel to said first member and pivotally attached at a first end to said carrier means and at a second end to said pivot link at a point intermediate the ends, a fourth extensible link means positioned on the same side of said first arm member as said third link means and having a first end pivotally attached to said carrier means and a second end pivotally attached to said second end of said second pivot link member, and a fifth link means extending parallel to said first sidearm member and being attached at a first end thereof to a first end of said pivot link and a second end attached to said refuse receptacle.
 4. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said fourth link member is a power lift means whose length contracts and extends to lift said refuse receptacle.
 5. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said fifth link means is an extensible link which extends and contracts to tilt said refuse receptacle about said second end of said first sidearm member.
 6. A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein said fourth extensible link member is positioned at an angle to said third link member.
 7. A mechanism according to claim 3 including a sixth link extending between the first ends of the first sidearm member and said third link member.
 8. In a streetsweeper apparatus comprising a body provided with a longitudinally extending first side frame member on opposite sides thereof, a second side frame member upstanding from each of said first side frame members, said body having a forward end, a wheel means being provided at said forward end on said opposite side of said body, said refuse receptacle being disposed in a housing between said wheel means, said receptacle having an inlet opening adjacent an upper portion thereof, means for conveying sweepings through said inlet opening, said hopper being positioned so that when said hopper is loaded and said center of gravity thereof will be generally above said front wheels, a lifting mechanism being positioned on opposite sides of said hopper and attached to said first and second frame members to lift said hopper outwardly out of said housing while maintaining the attitude of said hopper generally constant, said lifting means comprising a first sidearm member pivotally attached to said second frame member on said carrier body at one end and pivotally attached to said refuse recEptacle at an opposite end, a second pivot link member having a first and second end, said second pivot link being pivotally attached to said first sidearm member intermediate the ends of both the second pivot link member and the first sidearm member, a third link member extending parallel to said first member and pivotally attached at a first end to said second frame member on said carrier body and at a second end to said second pivot link member at a point intermediate the ends, a fourth extensible link means positioned on the same side of said first arm member as said third link means and having a first end pivotally attached to said first frame member on said carrier body and a second end attached to said second end of said second pivot link member, and a fifth link means extending parallel to said first sidearm member and being attached at a first end thereof to a first end of said pivot link and a second end attached to said refuse receptacle.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said first end of said second pivot link member is above said first sidearm member.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said receptacle is movable from an original position between said wheels to an upper portion on above said wheels, said hopper in its uppermost level being forward of its original position less than its depth.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each of said first frame members projects forwardly inside and above each of said respective front wheels, a third frame portion attached to said first frame member and depending therefrom, said third depending frame portion supporting said front wheel axles and a wheel-propelling means. 